Jake Ball sprained his ankle while bowling in last week’s tour game against a Cricket Australia XI but England cricket team coach Trevor Bayliss said the quick could be in the running for the Ashes series opener in Brisbane starting November 23

Jake Ball was injured during the first tour game vs Cricket Australia XI but might make it back in time for the first Ashes Test. (AFP)

Jake Ball is expected to be fit and available for the first Ashes Test against Australia later this month, England cricket team coach Trevor Bayliss said on Sunday.

Nottinghamshire’s Ball sprained his ankle while bowling in last week’s tour game against a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide and is unlikely to play in Wednesday’s next tour game in Townsville.

Bayliss said he does not expect Ball will be out of action for long and believes the quick could be in the running for the Ashes series opener in Brisbane starting November 23.

“There could be a possibility he would be right for the next game but we will probably let him go there and make sure he is right for selection for the first Test,” Bayliss told reporters in Townsville.